In July, Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced The DREAM Act of 2017, a bill that provides legal status and a path to citizenship for Dreamers – undocumented immigrant youth who entered the United States before the age of 18.

Action on this legislation is urgently needed. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative, which currently protects 800,000 Dreamers, could come to an end in the coming weeks. Ten state attorneys general are threatening to sue the Trump Administration if DACA is not repealed by September 5th. Despite assurances from President Trump that DACA would remain in place, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has not committed to defending the program in court. Even if the Administration does act to defend the program, DACA is unlikely to survive a legal challenge.

The only permanent solution for Dreamers is to pass legislation that gives them the security of legal status and the opportunity to become citizens and continue to build their lives in this country – the country Dreamers have called home for most of their lives. Many charter schools in our country serve students who would benefit from the DREAM Act, and as a community we must stand up for the Dreamers who are seeking a quality education to prepare them for college, career, and a better life for their families.